Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

1850 Prospects of a Sault Ste. Marie Canal

Sault Ste. Marie Oct. 9th, 1850

The present prospect of having a canal around this portage, has delighted the people here. No place on all our extensive lake const will be more benefited by this measure than Detroit and Cleveland. To be well satisfied of this, a person must be present to see the immense supplies from places constantly unloading and reshipping here.

The old Ajax of Lake Superior, the Steamer Independence, took, day before yesterday, 200 barrel’s bulk, of all kinds of freight, for the mines above.

It is equal to a museum to pass over the docks as the unloading of a steamer from below. You see almost ever article that was ever on board ship.

We were standing on a long box in the midst of the last freight, examining the great variety of articles, when a noise proceeded from the box, which indicated a new species of goods going to Lake Superior, it was a box of live geese, who seemed fully determined their arrival should be known.

The amount of flour, port, hams, butter, cheese, dried apples, sugar, tea, and every article to sustain life, that passes this point every week exceeds belief. The demand next summer will be greatly increased, and must give encouragement to farmers below. We say to this noble class of men, speed the plow, the Upper Lake trade will ensure you a good market.